liver damage caused by interruption of the flow of bile through the liver

abdominal trauma in the area of the liver

an attack on the liver by the body's own immune
system (called autoimmune hepatitis)

a problem with the liver itself

What Is Hepatitis A?

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is contagious, usually spreading to others through food,
drink, or objects contaminated by feces (poop) containing HAV. The hepatitis
A vaccine has helped to make the infection rare in the United States
and other developed countries.

Although a hepatitis A infection can cause severe symptoms, unlike some other hepatitis
viruses, it rarely leads to long-lasting liver damage. People who have recovered from
a hepatitis A infection have immunity to the virus and won't get it again.

What Is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a more serious infection. It can lead to cirrhosis (permanent scarring)
of the liver, liver failure, or liver cancer, causing severe illness and even death.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) spreads from person to person through blood or other body
fluids. In the United States, this most commonly happens through unprotected sex with
someone who has the disease or from injecting drugs with shared needles that aren't
sterilized. It also can be passed from an infected mother to her unborn baby.

What Is Hepatitis C?

Like hepatitis B, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) spreads from person to person through
blood or other body fluids, and can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer. The most common
way people become infected is by sharing drug paraphernalia such as needles and straws.
People also can get hepatitis C from unprotected sex with an infected partner. And
it can be passed from an infected mother to her unborn baby.

Hepatitis C is the most serious type of hepatitis. It's now one of the most common
reasons for liver transplants in adults. Scientists have been trying for decades to
develop a hepatitis C vaccine, but none has been successful yet. Fortunately, medicines
can now treat people with hepatitis C and cure them in most cases.